On Thursday, April 24, 2014, Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment, Social Development & Multiculturalism announced there would be a moratorium placed on Canada's fast food industry's access to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).  I am calling on Minister Kenney to immediately reverse his decision and allow Canada's fast food industry access to the TFWP while he and his ministry conducts their investigation into employers who are abusing the system.

This is important to me as I have many, many friends who have come from all over the world to work in Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW).  The vast majority of these TFW's are people who have come here to work to give their families back in their home country a chance at life; a chance to have just a fraction of what we as Canadians have and take for granted everyday. 

If Minister Kenney reverses his decision and lifts the moratorium, Canada will continue to have a vibrant, sustainable and profitable fast food industry and the TFW's can continue to have that second chance at life and continue to share their financial success with their families.  

If Minister Kenney does not reverse his decision, Canada will quickly find out that many fast food restaurants will find themselves with a labour shortage and may have to shorten their service hours and/or possibly close certain days throughout the week. Worst-case scenario is that some restaurants may have to close their doors due to the shortage that will take place.  Minister Kenney has already mentioned in a media interview that, "I anticipate unfortunately, we will see some restaurants close."  This is not what anyone wants to happen and we must not allow this to happen!

If Canada wants to continue to have a sustainable and profitable fast food industry, access for Canada's fast food industry to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is critical which is why I'm calling on Minister Kenney to immediately lift the moratorium while his investigation continues.